The University of South Florida received $17.4 million from the U.S. Department of Education this past weekend and USF has started the process of distributing the funds to students in need. The funding comes from a portion of the $2.2 trillion economic relief package provided through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, and it will be used for emergency aid to USF students experiencing economic hardships due to COVID-19.
USF will distribute the funds to assist as many students as possible to help alleviate financial troubles that may disrupt their academic plans. Such circumstances include student, spouse, and/or parental reduction of employment or other unexpected occurrences. Students may use this funding to pay for expenses such as medical bills, food, housing, utilities, technology, course materials and other unexpected expenses that contribute to the student’s total cost of USF attendance.
“I wish to express our immense gratitude to the Florida Congressional Delegation for their leadership in devising a relief package that includes helping students who are economically affected by this global health challenge,” said USF President Steve Currall. “The USF community is deeply appreciative for this aid so our students can continue their academic journey.”
Nearly 6,000 students were notified over the weekend that they were eligible for an automatic award of up to $1,000 because USF was already aware that they had unmet need (based on their previous FAFSA filing) and had exhausted all other financial aid options available to them. Students that did not receive an automatic award are invited to complete the Federal CARES Act Emergency Financial Aid Application for consideration for a grant, starting April 27 through Aug. 7, 2020, or until the funds are depleted.
For more information on this application and eligibility, please visit the FAQ page and read through the letter sent to all students Monday morning by USF Vice President of Student Success Paul Dosal.